Jeff Humphrey, Media Manager, 509.625.6308
Thursday, January 2, 2020 at 3:36 p.m.
Mayor Nadine Woodward’s first full day in office included meetings, interviews and a surprise left behind by her predecessor.
Borrowing from a White House tradition, David Condon wrote Woodward a letter of support and posted it on the Mayor’s new desk.
The hand written note on Condon’s official stationary reads,
“Mayor Woodward, congrats. You have worked hard to gain the trust of the citizens of Spokane. That trust is built on your passion for our city that is unmatched. I look forward to the future of Spokane with your leadership and vision for our city. Sincerely David.”
Woodward shared the note with some of her visitors and clearly moved by Condon’s words and actions.
“That’s pretty special. I got pretty emotional about it actually. Yeah, that’s pretty cool,” Woodward said of the letter.
Historians credit President George H. Bush with starting the tradition of leaving behind notes for successors.
Mr. Bush penned a letter of support for President Bill Clinton in 1993.
Even though Mr. Clinton had defeated George Bush in a divisive campaign, the outgoing president wrote, “Your success now is our country’s success. I am rooting hard for you.”
